Black in Period Films

William Kinsolving’s book The Rhinelander Affair is being adapted to the big screen. The book follows the controversial 1925 Rhinelander v. Rhinelander divorce trial. The project is being produced by Mark and Christine Holder, Octavia Spencer, Queen Latifah,  and Shakim Compere’s Flavor Unit Entertainment and Dave Broome. Spencer and Latifah will act as producers. Rhinelander v. Rhinelander was a divorce case between Kip Rhinelander and Alice Jones. Rhinelander was an American socialite from the socially prominent and wealthy New York City Rhinelander family. His marriage to Alice Jones, a biracial woman from a working-class family made national headlines in 1924. The couple was able to hide their marriage for a while, but once the media caught wind of their marriage they began looking into who Alice Jones was. That is when it was discovered that she was born to a white mother and ‘mulatto’ father. Rhinelander stood by Alice’s side until his family threatened to disinhe...

Tease videos of the upcoming Bessie Smith biopic were released by HBO. This movie is going to be electrifying. Already I can say that the costumes have given me so much joy! There is nothing I love more than seeing Black folks in period costumes.  Check out the Character Spots for Bessie.  I am excited it seems like everyone involved was dedicated and excited about the project. 

Mama Flora's Family is the 1998 TV mini-series based on the novel penned by the legendary Alex Haley. Mama Flora is 3 hours of wonderful stories chronicling the life of Flora Palmer and her family. It spans the entire 20th century and is simply amazing. And includes major historical moments such as the Great Depression, both World Wars, and the Civil Rights Movement. It covers a host of real life issues that would have affected a Black American family during that time. In the title role Cicely Tyson (who can do NO wrong) plays the older Flora Palmer. While Erika Alexander ( Maxine Shaw from Living Single) plays a younger Flora. Blair Underwood Queen Latifah Mario Van Peebles Hill Harper Lou Meyers Shemar Moore These are the most recognizable names. But everyone in the cast put in touching performances. Many a tear were shed. With this film you'll be  smiling uncontrollably one moment and then the next you'll be tearing up. The ups and downs of Fl...